Acharya


In Indian religions and society, an acharya is a preceptor or instructor in religious matters; founder, or leader of a sect; or a highly learned person or a title affixed to the names of learned people. The designation has different meanings in Hinduism, Buddhism and secular contexts.
Acharya is sometimes used to address a teacher or a scholar in any discipline, e.g.: Bhaskaracharya, the mathematician.

Etymology

The Sanskrit phrase Acharam Grahayati Acharam Dadati Iti Va means Acharya is the one who teaches good conduct to one's students. A female teacher is called an achāryā, and a male teacher's wife is called an achāryāni

In Hinduism

In Hinduism, an acharya is a formal title of a teacher or guru, who has attained a degree in Veda and Vedanga.
Prominent acharyas in the Hindu tradition are as given below :
In Buddhism, acharya is a senior teacher. Notable acharyas:
In Jainism, an acharya is the highest leader of a Jain order. Acharya is one of the Pañca-Parameṣṭhi and thus worthy of worship. They are the final authority in the monastic order and has the authority to ordain new monks and nuns. They are also authorized to consecrate new idols, although this authority is sometimes delegated to scholars designated by them.
An acharya, like any other Jain monk, is expected to wander except for the Chaturmas. Bhaṭṭārakas, who head institutions, are technically junior monks, and thus permitted to stay in the same place.

In scientific/mathematical scholarship

In Sanskrit institutions, acharya is a post-graduate degree.